Take a photo of a barcode or cover
grumpusgoblin 's review for:
Himawari House
by Harmony Becker
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
What a heartwarming graphic novel. Shoutout to my friend Moira for recommending this one! The art is friendly and welcoming, and I loved the way that Harmony Becker weaved different languages and cultures together between our three leads: Nao, born in Japan but grew up as an American; Tina, a bubbly Singaporean studying in Japan; and Hyejung, a Korean art student. They also have two other housemates, Japanese brothers named Masaki (shy, anxious about the language barriers) and Shinsan (more extroverted). As I said, I enjoyed the art style though I would sometimes get confused and backtrack when a flashback scene started happening.
It deals with Nao's struggles of identity, portraying a sort of Asian diaspora brilliantly with all of the characters who never feel like they fit in, especially when trying to learn Japanese and deal with Japanese locals resentment of "gajins". It's a complicated issue, especially today with Japan experiencing the highest amount of tourism it ever has. I have an interest in East Asian culture (though hopefully not in the cringe weeb American way that Nao laments in the book). And I watch a lot of Japan-based YouTubers; many of their own experiences living abroad align with Nao and her Himawari House roommates. The theme of isolation rings true, but you feel so happy for these characters that can find solace in each other, creating a sense of home within Japan despite the clear divisions that they're culturally experiencing.
It deals with Nao's struggles of identity, portraying a sort of Asian diaspora brilliantly with all of the characters who never feel like they fit in, especially when trying to learn Japanese and deal with Japanese locals resentment of "gajins". It's a complicated issue, especially today with Japan experiencing the highest amount of tourism it ever has. I have an interest in East Asian culture (though hopefully not in the cringe weeb American way that Nao laments in the book). And I watch a lot of Japan-based YouTubers; many of their own experiences living abroad align with Nao and her Himawari House roommates. The theme of isolation rings true, but you feel so happy for these characters that can find solace in each other, creating a sense of home within Japan despite the clear divisions that they're culturally experiencing.